FAHAMU NETWORK

Kenya is positioning itself to become the leading seed bank in Africa, with a strategic focus on expanding its footprint beyond Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, highlighted the critical role of research-based technologies in addressing Kenya’s growing demand for seeds. “The demand for seed maize in Kenya stands at 70 million kilos, with Kenya Seed Company producing 40 million kilos, and private firms contributing another 30 million kilos,” Rono said. The Principal Secretary added that the remaining demand is met through other agricultural value chains, underscoring the ongoing efforts to close the gap. He spoke at the Kenya Seed Company's field day held at the Elgon Downs Farms in Endebess, where stakeholders and farmers gathered to showcase the company's progress in seed production and agricultural innovations. Kenya Seed Company’s expansion strategy aims to enhance its influence across the region and solidify Ke...

 A deepening leadership dispute has rocked the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) in Trans Nzoia County, compounding an already crippling nurses' strike now in its third week. A faction led by senior nursing managers has formally petitioned national Secretary General Seth Panyako to dissolve the current county leadership, citing term-limit violations and concerns over the legality of local union representation.  “The current officials have overstayed their term limits. They were elected in 2018 and were supposed to serve only five years,” said Eric Wasilwa, one of the petitioners. The group is challenging the legitimacy of County Secretary Edward Cheruiyot and Chairman Cyprian Nyakundi, among others who are spearheading the ongoing strike. The dissenting camp insists the strike lacks legal grounding, claiming that only the union's national office is authorized to negotiate with government authorities. “Local officials are operating illegally. Only ...

The Boda Boda Association in Trans Nzoia County has announced plans to hold fresh elections this November in a bid to restore order, accountability, and proper leadership within the sector. The decision comes amid growing concerns over a leadership vacuum and a prolonged period of confusion within the association, largely blamed on former officials overstaying their terms and lack of structured governance. The President of the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), Kevin Mubadi, recently convened a meeting with riders to address internal differences that had led to the formation of multiple factions. During the meeting, it was agreed that all current officials would be dissolved to allow for fresh elections. According to James Nyakangi, a member of the association, the planned elections are part of a broader effort to reestablish credibility and operational sanity in an industry that plays a vital role in local transportation and employment. “For a long time, our association...

The Senate Committee on Agriculture has appealed to the national and county governments to urgently settle outstanding debts owed to the Kenya Seed Company, warning that delayed payments are threatening the operations of the state-owned enterprise. Committee Chairperson Senator Wafula Wakoli disclosed that the national government owes Kenya Seed a substantial Sh 1.3 billion.  The debt originates from a subsidy programme that reduced the cost of maize seed to support smallholder farmers—funds that have yet to be reimbursed to the company. “If we expect this company to continue supplying quality seed to farmers at affordable rates, then the government must play its part. That means paying what it owes,” said Senator Wakoli. In addition to the national debt, Wakoli siad county governments owe millions of shillings for maize seed supplies distributed to farmers under various local programs. Kenya Seed Managing Director Samy Chepsiror reported that the company’s production f...

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has begun a new phase of county coordinating committee elections as part of its wider strategy to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.  In Trans Nzoia County, the exercise concluded on Monday with the re-election of Saboti MP Caleb Amisi as the county party chairman. Amisi was declared the winner unopposed after no challengers came forward during the county coordinating committee polls.  Eva Nyamwogo, who supervised the county coordinating committee elections, said the process is part of ODM’s commitment to reinvigorating its presence through structured leadership. “We are committed to restructuring and strengthening our local support base. These elections mark a new beginning for a more dynamic ODM in Trans Nzoia,” she said. Other key positions were also filled during the exercise. John Simiyu retained his role as County Secretary, while former Kitale Mayor Charles Bonyo was elected as Vice Chairman....

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Trans Nzoia County, following grassroots elections held on Monday.  Amisi secured the position unopposed, with no other contenders coming forward during the county coordinating committee polls. Known for his outspoken support for ordinary Kenyans, Amisi’s continued leadership is viewed as a stabilizing factor for ODM as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections. Eva Nyamwogo, who oversaw the county-level elections, described the exercise as part of a larger strategy to reinvigorate the party’s grassroots presence. “We are committed to restructuring and strengthening our local support base. These elections mark a new beginning for a more dynamic ODM in Trans Nzoia,” said Nyamwogo. In other results, John Simiyu retained his role as County Secretary, while former Kitale Mayor Charles Bonyo was elected as Vice Chairman. Following the announcement, Simiyu stre...

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has stated that security agencies are actively monitoring and responding to criminal groups responsible for recent disturbances in Trans Nzoia County. Speaking to journalists at Naisambu Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kwanza, Masengeli confirmed that several individuals associated with armed groups have been arrested, and operations are ongoing to apprehend remaining suspects. “We will not allow any person or group to act outside the law. A number of suspects are already in custody, and efforts to arrest and prosecute those still at large are underway. Public safety remains a top priority,” he said. Masengeli also indicated that investigations are being conducted into individuals suspected of financing or supporting the groups linked to the violence. He encouraged residents to share credible information with authorities to assist in the ongoing security efforts. “I urge residents to cooperate with security officers in ad...